'This is the best moment for a comprehensive peace effort' in the Middle East: expert

The United States said Tuesday it felt "cautious optimism" on the prospects of reaching a ceasefire in the 14-month war in Gaza, although it acknowledged that similar hopes had been dashed before. Henri Barkey, Professor of International Relations at Lehigh University, says with Iran weakened and Russia essentially removed from the Middle East, this is the best moment for a comprehensive peace effort in the region.